It has been a tough year for the assisted living sector. The sector’s largest operator—Sunrise Senior Living—continues to seek breaks from creditors in order to avert bankruptcy. Other leading firms also have encountered rough sledding lately. Real estate, capital and competitive shifts have collectively challenged assisted living communities. So where is the assisted living sector today? Is it on the brink, retrenching, or simply riding out the storm? Some answers are likely to emerge this week in Philadelphia, where the Assisted Living Federation of America is holding its annual convention and exposition.